Fluoride supplement chart
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Fluoride Supplement Chart: An Overview of Research Findings
Introduction to Fluoride Supplements
Fluoride supplements are used to prevent dental caries, especially in areas where water fluoridation is not available. These supplements come in various forms, including tablets, drops, lozenges, and chewing gums. The effectiveness and safety of these supplements have been the subject of extensive research.
Fluoride Balance and Excretion
Fluoride Intake and Excretion in Adults
Research on fluoride balance in healthy adult males has shown that fluoride supplements significantly alter fluoride balance in the body. When subjects were given daily supplements of 5 or 10 mg of fluoride, their fluoride balances turned positive, indicating increased fluoride retention. Approximately 90% of the ingested fluoride was excreted through urine, with the remainder excreted in feces. Serum ionic fluoride concentration also increased proportionally with fluoride intake, but no clinical or laboratory abnormalities were observed in the subjects.
Fluoride Supplements for Children
Efficacy in Preventing Dental Caries
Fluoride supplements have been shown to reduce the incidence of dental caries in children. A systematic review found that fluoride supplements were associated with a 24% reduction in decayed, missing, and filled surfaces (DMFS) in permanent teeth when compared to no fluoride supplement. However, the effect on deciduous teeth was unclear, with some studies showing no significant benefit.
Recommendations for High-Risk Children
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that dietary fluoride supplements should be prescribed only for children at high risk of developing caries and whose primary source of drinking water is deficient in fluoride. These recommendations are intended to be integrated with professional judgment and patient needs.
Dosage Adjustments
Revised dosage schedules for fluoride supplements have been proposed to better align with the concentration of fluoride in local water supplies. The goal is to provide fluoride intake similar to that obtained from optimally fluoridated water, emphasizing the importance of regular, supervised intake from shortly after birth until about 16 years of age.
Risks of Fluoride Supplements
Dental Fluorosis
The use of fluoride supplements during the first six years of life has been associated with an increased risk of dental fluorosis. A meta-analysis found a strong association between fluoride supplement use and the development of dental fluorosis, with the odds ratio ranging between 2.4 and 2.6 for cross-sectional studies and a relative risk between 5.5 and 12.2 for follow-up studies. This suggests that while fluoride supplements can be effective in preventing caries, they also carry a significant risk of causing fluorosis.
Prenatal Fluoride Supplementation
A study on prenatal fluoride supplementation found no significant difference in caries prevention between children whose mothers received fluoride supplements during pregnancy and those who did not. The study also reported very mild fluorosis in a small number of subjects, indicating that prenatal fluoride supplementation may not have a strong caries-preventive effect.
Conclusion
Fluoride supplements can be an effective measure for preventing dental caries, particularly in permanent teeth, but their use must be carefully managed to avoid the risk of dental fluorosis. Recommendations suggest that supplements should be prescribed primarily for high-risk children in areas with low fluoride levels in drinking water. Regular monitoring and adherence to dosage schedules are crucial to maximize benefits and minimize risks.
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